Continued Fire Hazard Spurs Extended EF&R Burn Ban

The burn ban that would have normally expired on Sept. 30 in the service area of Eastside Fire & Rescue has been extended to 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20. 

This precautionary action is a result of the continued hot and dry weather which has caused the brush and grasses (fuels) to be drier than normal for this time of year. Fire officials believe it will take several days of significant rainfall and/or high humidity to lower the fire hazard. Officials warn that conditions will have to improve drastically between now and Oct. 20, or the burn ban may be extended even further in October.

Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Bud Backer explained, “We remain in a serious situation for the potential of a wildfire and with many resources east of the mountains, we need to take these unusual steps to limit the risk.

Residential and silvicultural fires are not permitted at this time. Only cooking fires in barbeques and recreational fires in approved fire pits are allowed. 

Please check conditions and the status of the burn ban at the EF&R website: www.eastsidefire-rescue.org prior to conducting any outdoor burning.

Washington Department of Natural Resources Fire Danger may be found at http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx

Learn how to protect your home from wildfire at www.firewise.org

--Information from Eastside Fire & Rescue